The British Embassy on Thursday held a reception to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second’s 91st Birthday in Vientiane.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sengphet Houngbounyuang, diplomatic corps, representatives from government agencies, international organisations and business communities, UK alumniand invited guests attended the reception.

In his remarks, British Ambassador to Laos Hugh Evans said that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is an extraordinary leader who has dedicated her life to national service, often in harrowing circumstances, as when she made a morale boosting visit to meet those injured in recent terrorist attacks.

“I would like to offer my thanks to the government of Laos and to so many others for your kind messages of solidarity after these appalling incidents,” said the Ambassador.

“The United Kingdom reopened its embassy in Laos in 2012. Since then, UK’s Creative Partnership with Laos has defined and raised the British profile here,” he explained.

“The past year has been marked by successful visits in both directions. Last autumn, our former Trade Envoy, Lord David Puttnam, made this sixth visit to Vientiane,” he added.

In January, the Minister of Education and Sports, Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun attended the World Education Forum in London.

In April, Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune made his first visit to the UK. His programme included a call on the Lord Mayor, the head of London’s financial city, underscoring the mutual desire of the two countries to deepen cooperation in the financial services sector.

“When I arrived in 2015, then President Choummaly Sayasone told me the UK was the 15th largest investor in Laos. He wanted us to get into the top 10. Imagine my pleasure, therefore, when the Ministry of Planning and Investment informed me last month that Britain was now in 10th place,” Ambassador Evans noted.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by KPL

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